Environment and Planning

Philippe Berger, Director of Environment and Planning

Role and responsibilities

The Environment and Planning department is responsible for the City's territorial development. The Director is in charge of distributing construction permits and authorization certificates. When need be, he also carries out the necessary inspections. With respect to the environment, he oversees the treatment of waste water and drinking water, as well as corroded snow removal.

He must enforce municipal rules and regulations with respect to land-use, zoning, subdivisions, construction and land titles. He ensures that provincial laws are respected, especially those dealing with planning, quality of the environment and agricultural zoning.

Permits and certificates

Many projects that you undertake may necessitate a permit or authorization certificate.

• Construction of a new building
• Modifications, renovations, or expansion of an existing building
• Construction of an accessory building over 5 m2, such as a shed or a garage
• Displacement or demolition of a building
• Changing the use of a building
• Installation, modification, displacement or repair of a sign
• Land cutting or filling
• Working close to a stream or body of water
• Putting up a fence, bushes…
• Building, repairing or adjusting a sewer system

We advise you to consult the Environment and Planning department before you undertake any type of renovation in order to protect yourself from any breech of regulations.

Certificate of location

The owner or builder must supply the Director with a certificate of location signed by a recognized land-surveyor. Upon a signed letter from the owner, the surveyor can automatically transmit the necessary documents to the Director of Environment and Planning. It is compulsory that a certificate of location be submitted, or that a form to this effect be completed (the proper form can be obtained from the Municipality).

Construction permit validity period

A construction permit is valid for 12 months following the date it was emitted. However, the permit is valid for a period of 24 months in the case of a new construction, transformation, expansion or addition valued over 1 million dollars.

Following this period, the permit becomes null and void. The fees related to the permit are not reimbursed. Another request must be filed in order to obtain a new authorization. Approval will depend on the rules and regulations active at the moment of its deposit.